Traveling to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point)
Most people in Southern California and Arizona know what a gem Rocky Point is. It is often said jokingly by most people who live in Arizona that we do have a coast, only it lies due south of Phoenix and is known as Rocky Point. Granted, It is nothing anything like San Diego or any other beach town of Southern California, Rocky Point has it's own character and is a haven for many people in the southwest.

A short trip to Rocky Point
Rocky Point is a great place to head for a three-day weekend. You can grab a hotel room, stay in an RV park if you have towed the family unit down or dry camp in a tent right on the beach in a designated camping spot. There are great hotels dotting the shore overlooking the as well as several hotels in Old Town near the Malecon to choose from. Over the last couple of years I have watched the construction of four new beachfront resorts being built. Construction in this part of Mexico is a slow process. I am not sure when the completion date is expected, but it is almost certain they are close to completion. These resorts are located on the east-end of what is known as Sandy Beach.

Driving to Rocky Point
Traveling by auto to Rocky Point from Phoenix, Yuma and Tucson is simple and are three of the closest major metropolitan areas that feed guests of Rocky Point. From Phoenix and Tucson, Highway 85 is the connecting road will take you to a small border town called Sonoyta. The mileage from Phoenix and Tucson to Puerto Penasco is roughly 215 miles. It usually takes about 4.5 hrs. Traveling by car from both of these cities depending on how many stops you make. Just north of the Arizona/Mexico border is Organ Pipe National Monument. The 15 mile drive through this area is some of the most beautiful desert landscape you will see.

Crossing the border
Crossing the border into Mexico is an easy process. The Mexican border patrol may wave you through the checkpoint or they may ask you to pull over for a quick inspection. Most inspection officers know enough English to converse in asking simple questions about your intentions on visiting Mexico. They may ask you where you are traveling to and how long you expect to stay. They might also ask you to open luggage just as any other customs officer might. Do not bring and guns or ammo across the border. They carry stiff penalties and fines.

Sonoyta, Mexico
Once across the border you will notice right away that you are in a different country. The streets are lined with taco stands, small businesses and small houses leading into bigger neighborhoods of the main highway. The streets are busting with locals, children selling tortillas and vendors selling their wares. You will follow the highway south about 2 miles where you come across the town square. You will want to follow the signs right which state Puerto Penasco. Once you are heading west through town, stop and enjoy some carne asada tacos at a stand called "La Donna". For 80 cents per taco, you can sample some of the flavor that Mexico has to offer. For some reason, Mexican beer tastes so much better down there. You may want to stop at one of the many Corona stores that dot the landscape and for about 20 bucks, you can get a case (20) of ice cold Mexican beer. If you have a case of empties from a previous trip you will spend about $11.50 for a case of Corona. Keep your empty bottles and turn them in, they are worth about 10 USD.

Heading south on Benito Juarez
Once your belly is full and you have a case of beer in the cooler, head south on the highway approximately 92 km to Rocky Point. There is not much to see on Benito Juarez Highway. Maybe some abandon shacks, a curio shop, a small church and a couple of goat farms here and there, but for the most part, the highway is well maintained and marked with speed limit signs and kilometer markers. Once you reach Rocky Point, getting around is easy. Everything feeds off the main highway and is clearly marked. Drive carefully. The local drivers are a little erratic and some take chances like rolling stops. They seem to be in a hurry and know how to drive in heavily congested areas. Be courteous and let them take the initiative.

Crossing customs
When you cross the border, you have the obligation to declare other merchandise besides your luggage. You may have to pay corresponding taxes on items brought into the country. You have the right to bring $50 dollars (USD) per person including children. You can bring the following items tax free:
Binoculars
Typewriter
Portable radio
A musical instrument
Camping equipment
Fishing tackle
Tennis rackets
Small TV
Surfboard
If you go through customs and have merchandise whose value exceeds and have not paid taxes you could be fined with 100-300% over the commercial value and or seizer. I have personally crossed the border and have been pulled over. The contents were much greater than what is stated by Mexican law and did not have to pay a fine or face having my items seized.

Animals in Mexico
You may bring your pets (cat or dog) into Mexico. You must present (if asked) valid vaccination documents.

Free Zone
Rocky Point is considered a "free zone". If you are planning on traveling further into Mexico you will personal visa as well as a auto permit if you plan on driving your car. Visas can be obtained in Sonoyta.

Border harassment
To report border harassment into Mexico, call and report to Mexico City Secritaria de la Contraloria. From Mexico dial 01-800-00-148.

Firearms and drug possession
Firearms smuggling or possession carries a penalty of anywhere for 5 to 30 years in a Mexican prison. I am not sure about drug possession, but am sure it is the same penalty or worse.

Arriving by plane
There are no commercial flights to Rocky Point. There is a small airport that caters to small aircraft.

Emergency phone numbers.
Dial 070 for a bilingual operator.
To call United States or Canada, you must dial 001 before the area code.
To call United States collect, dial 090 for a bilingual operator.
Health department: 383-21-26

Mileage from Puerto Penasco to:
Ajo - 90 miles
Las Vegas - 501 miles
Los Angeles - 549 miles
Phoenix - 212 miles
San Diego – 439
Tucson – 212 miles
Yuma – 260